What is the fundamental flaw in setting career goals that are only 'achievable'?

The fundamental flaw in setting career goals that are only 'achievable' is that it limits potential growth and development by preventing individuals from stretching their capabilities and pursuing opportunities that require them to acquire new skills or overcome challenges. While achievability is a component of the SMART goal framework (Specific, Measurable, Achievable, Relevant, Time-bound), solely focusing on what is easily attainable can lead to complacency and a failure to reach one's full potential. Goals that are merely achievable often represent the status quo or incremental improvements, rather than significant leaps forward. They may not inspire the motivation and effort needed to excel and differentiate oneself in a competitive career landscape. Setting ambitious, yet realistic, goals forces individuals to expand their comfort zones, acquire new knowledge, and develop new skills. For example, instead of setting a goal to 'get a promotion to senior analyst,' which might be easily achievable, a more ambitious goal could be to 'lead a strategic initiative that significantly improves company performance,' requiring the development of leadership skills, strategic thinking, and project management expertise. Therefore, while achievability is important, it should be balanced with a willingness to embrace challenges and strive for goals that push one beyond their current capabilities to unlock greater potential.